More memory for RoadRelay

New version includes GPS option

With ten times the memory of earlier models and a faster processor, the RoadRelay 4 from Cummins Engine Co. combines a vehicle data logger with onboard computer (OBC) features such as tracking, trip information capture, and the ability to set and monitor driver performance standards.

Mounting in or on a dash, RoadRelay 4 provides drivers with real-time operating information from any electronically controlled diesel engine. It can track trip data for up to four drivers, and a new recording feature can use that data to analyze specific routes and set accurate arrival estimates. When linked to a Cummins engine, the new unit can also administer a reward program that gives drivers increased road speed or horsepower when they meet fleet performance goals.

Options include a GPS (global positioning satellite) receiver that can be used to generate state fuel tax reports, as well as upgraded displays and keypads. Support software for managing both vehicles and drivers is also available from Cummins.

Cadec Systems, a developer and manufacturer of onboard computer (OBC) systems, has been purchased by a group of key managers from its former parent, Cummins Engine Co. Now called Cadec Corp., the company will continue marketing and developing its CMS 4000 Series of onboard computers, as well as an interface for routing systems, GPS options, and other related information technology.

The company's newest product is a portable system that lets fleets easily add an OBC to rental vehicles and other temporary replacement trucks. Housed in a hard-shell case, the PortableCadec can be used with any vehicle equipped with an electronic engine and a standard ATA diagnostics plug. Preprogrammed with CMS 4000 software, the new unit has a standard Cadec display and uses the company's PC card system for storing and transferring driver and vehicle operating information.

"The new company is positioned on a solid financial foundation with no debt," according to Les Dole, the new Cadec president and CEO.

QUAKE Wireless Inc. has been named as an authorized manufacturer of communications hardware for the ORBCOMM low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

The company, headquartered in San Diego, has released an integrated two-way communications unit called the LEOlink, which includes a low-profile antenna, satellite modem, GPS receiver, and interface card. Designed for remote fixed and mobile applications, it can withstand extreme temperature, shock, and vibration levels, according to the company.

An interactive CD outlines the benefits and features of the Eaton Fleet Advisor Transportation Logistics Management System, a hardware/ software system that allows fleets to manage their equipment and drivers in real-time. For a free copy, call Eaton Corp.'s Trucking Information Services Div. at 1-800-423-1525, or visit their Web site at www.fleetadvisor.com.

The SABRE Group has acquired the Sure Shipping product line, a shipment planning and management system, from Innovative Computer Corp. SABRE says it now has a complete suite of products for shippers that can automate transportation operations while reducing costs and improving efficiency and customer service.

Phil White has been named president of QUALCOMM Inc.'s QUALCOMM Wireless Business Solutions (QWBS) division. He had been serving as senior vice president and general manager of QWBS. The division is responsible for the company's mobile data messaging business, including the OmniTRACS and TruckMAIL wireless satellite systems.

Mobile Security Communications Inc. has purchased the Transportation Breakdown Management System and other Internet-based fleet management products from XATA Corp. The breakdown system helps fleets find the nearest service facilities for road service, and is currently used by Ryder, UPS Truck Leasing, and other fleets. XATA says it will use proceeds from the sale to continue developing its onboard computer systems.

MicroAnalytics Inc. will hold its second annual users conference for TruckStops for Windows on March 24-26 in Alexandria, Va. Registration packets are available by visiting the company's Web site at www.bestroutes.com or calling 703-841-0414.

David J. Mathisen has been appointed vp and general manager of Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Transportation Management Systems Div. The division is home to Orbital's fleet tracking products including Gemtrac and a utility fleet system recently acquired from Raytheon Co. Mathisen had been general manager for that operation at Raytheon.

ORBCOMM has agreed to provide global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite data and messaging communications services for GTE Government Systems. The GTE business unit markets telecommunications systems to defense and civilian Federal agencies.

SmartStop Inc. has launched the first smart card network for the U.S. trucking industry. Slightly thicker than a credit card, the smart card has its own microprocessor and can be used to pay for and track purchases at participating truck stops, fuel facilities, and other service providers. 315

Prices on CabCARD service for e-mail messages over QUALCOMM Inc.'s OmniTRACS satellite communications system have been reduced from $0.50 to $0.25 for a 100-character message. Other CabCARD services - in-cab paging and preprogrammed e-mail messages - have been reduced by a similar amount.

CabCARD is a prepaid communications service providing drivers with discounted long distance phone rates, voice-mail, and phone-to-e-mail, as well as in-cab Internet e-mail access. The e-mail feature operates over the OmniTRACS onboard communications system without any additional hardware, software, or maintenance costs to the fleet, according to the company.

Sterling Commerce Inc. is offering users of its Web-based electronic data interchange (EDI) service new document tracking features at no cost. The EDI document service, called COMMERCE:Network, now includes status reporting for all outbound EDI documents sent to other network mailboxes. It also time-stamps document retrievals by electronic-commerce trading partners.

Other upgraded features for the value-added service include color-coded information for document type and status.

David J. Mathisen has been appointed vp and general manager of Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Transportation Management Systems Div. The division is home to Orbital's fleet tracking products, including Gemtrac and a utility fleet system recently acquired from Raytheon Co. Mathisen had been general manager for that operation at Raytheon.

Under terms of a three-year contract, Ryder Transportation Systems, a business unit of Ryder Systems Inc., will receive 751 PC-based shop service tools from FieldWorks Inc. The new shop tools, based on the company's 5000 Series II portable computer platform, will include software and a universal adapter for diagnostic use with a wide variety of electronically controlled engines and components.

Since the shop tools are full-featured PCs, Ryder will also use them for business functions at its smaller shops, according to Jim Cade, Ryder's director of maintenance field support services. "We'll connect them to our shop management system, and shops will be able to use them for letters, spreadsheets, and so on. Because they have full PC processing, they can function as more than a diagnostic tool and technical information source."

Designed for field technicians, the SDI 7299 Mobile Computer Workstation from Scientific Dimensions Inc. provides a lockable, rotating recessed bay for a mobile computer and docking cradle.

Intended for mounting in full-sized vans and other trucks, the workstation also features an enclosed printer compartment, a storage area for supplies, and a flat tabletop work surface.